Fido is just fine at home, thanks

For many of us, feelings of affection, compassion and concern for our four-legged neighbours are never far from our consciousness. Whatever part we may choose for dogs to play in our own lives, it’s never pleasant to see or hear an animal receiving anything but the best possible treatment.

In many towns and cities, dogs are treated like a mandatory accessory, just the item to complete the ensemble. This means the pooch heads for the action wherever it may be and whatever the weather may be like. Trying to raise awareness of the questionable nature of this practice has turned into a bit of mission for some.

Given the choice, how many dogs would pass on an invitation to go anywhere… in the car, truck, on foot… whatever? Too many people mistake that willingness for a sort of toughness, an ability to handle whatever comes their way.

But heat is a tough thing for any kind of dog to handle and, just like leaving dogs (or anyone, for that matter) in a parked car on a summer day is wrong, so it is to take them to crowded events where shade is at a premium.

Here’s where this moral diatribe picks up a more cheerful tone: the 100th birthday celebration at Glade last weekend was not only a well-attended, well-supported event, successful on many levels, but over one two-hour period on Saturday, only one dog was spotted throughout the grounds.

There must have been 300-400 people there at the time… and one dog! Similar events in other locations could have had 20-30 heaving mutts staggering around with dry tongues hanging sideways.

Coincidence? Or are the local folks a caring, thoughtful crew that knows the value of a cool, quiet place to leave a pet on a hot day?